NFL responds to Vilma's motion for restraining order

Among the New Orleans Saints linebacker's reasons for seeking the restraining order that would at least temporarily block his season-long NFL suspension is his desire to continue rehabilitating his knee injury with the team's training staff.

But the league's motion, per The (New Orleans) Times-Picayune, says that Vilma will be allowed to work with Saints medical personnel away from team headquarters, stating: "Mr. Vilma is incorrect about the ability of the Saints medical staff to interact with him during his suspension; while Mr. Vilma may not attend the Club facility, he can rehabilitate and condition at a private facility and Saints trainers and physicians can monitor and help guide his rehabilitation there."

Saints training camp opens July 24.

The NFL contends that Vilma's filing of a restraining order this week, rather than last, "belies the supposed exigency of his motion."

Vilma's suspension for involvement in the Saints' alleged pay-to-injure scheme was upheld by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on July 3.

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About Nate Davis

Nate Davis is a reporter, blogger and editor who's been at USA TODAY since 2000. He has covered the NFL since 2005. No, he did not play quarterback for Ball State. Davis' succession of our esteemed colleague Sean Leahy at The Huddle is considered a Brady-for-Bledsoe swap by most "insiders."More about Nate